Saturday August 15th

The Annual Classic Moves To Oregon

Since
2002 Sound RIDER! has run the 3 Pass BLA$T
time/speed/distance (TSD) ride in the North Cascades of Washington
state. The event is a throwback to the TSD events that began in 1910
with riders making a two day loop from Seattle to Mt. Rainier and
back.

After running the event in Washington
State for six years we thought it was time to move it to another
area of the Northwest. We're pleased to announce the 2009 3 Pass BLA$T will be run through the lower Cascades in Oregon with riders
departing out of Sun River and finishing some 200 miles later in
Sisters.

Along the way riders will cross over 3
mountain passes. Two actually exist on the books today as passes and
one we made up because as a land feature it actually is a pass, but
because it doesn't involve a county line it's not considered a pass
by today's standards.

Above: A look at the final stretch of
road that leads to the final checkpoint of the 2009 3 Pass BLA$T!

Along the way riders will be indulged in
breath taking views of The Three Sisters and Mt. Bachelor. Midway
through the ride will involve one of the most admired motorcycling
roads in the Northwest. The final stretch will include a romp across
a young lava field with a stop at a stunning observatory.

One of the three passes is known to be
closed now and then and we're ready for that with an alternate route
over a different pass. No one will know until they reach the
entrance to the final pass if they will have to use the alternate
pass.

Yesterday

It was1910 when the Seattle Motorcycle
Club sponsored the first "Endurance" motorcycle event of its kind in
the Pacific Northwest. Riding from Seattle's Pioneer Square to Mt.
Rainier and returning to Seattle in two days, each rider began with
1000 points. The event was based on a number of variables including
losing points for arriving before or after the predetermined time
allocation the ride was said to have taken - the absolute time
it would take to complete the route within the legal limits. Winners
were awarded cash, tires, goggles and even gold. The event continued
through the teens and eventually disappeared into history.

Today

The goal is to ride the route as close to
the absolute time as possible. The absolute time is based on the
distance and the time it would take to ride it at the legal speed
limit (white speed limit signs only). All participants begin with 1000
points. Riders depart the check in station at Sun River (Café Sintra)
with their ride card being marked with their time out. As they
arrive at each checkpoint cards are marked with their arrival time.
We add two 15 minute rest stops and a one hour lunch to the route
and calculate them into final absolute time. The final route will not be
revealed until you check in.

Scoring

1 point is subtracted for each minute a rider arrives late
at the final checkpoint, up to the first 30 minutes.

5 points are subtracted for each minute a rider arrives late
at the final checkpoint, beyond the first 30 minutes arrival.

1 point is subtracted for each minute a rider arrives early
at any checkpoint, up to the first 5 minutes.

5 points are subtracted for each minute a rider arrives
early at any checkpoint, beyond the first five minutes of
arrival.

Prizes

Prizes will
be awarded in the following categories.

Best Vintage Time - $50 (only bikes 20 years or older
qualify)

Best Senior Time - $50 (open to riders 55 years of age
and older)

Best Three Wheel Time - $50 (sidecars, trikes, MP3s or
Can Ams)

Best Time Segment 1 - $50

Best Time Segment 2 - $50

Best Time Segment 3 - $50

Best Time Segment 4 - $50

BEST OVERALL TIME $300

Winners will be announced in the September
issue of Sound RIDER! along with the overall standings for each
participant.

Registration & Check-In

Advance registration is available online
now for $35. Registration the day of is $50. If you plan to ride two
up your riding partner does not need to be registered but will need
to sign our event waiver none the less.

Riders may check in at Café Sintra, 4 N
Ponderosa Road, in Sun River Oregon between 8:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. At
that time you will receive the route information pack with all
directions and the route map. Last rider out at 9:15.

Accommodations

It's recommended you stay near Sun River
on Friday night so you're ready to check in on time Saturday
Morning. There are many motels in nearby Bend, and condos are
available for renting in Sun River. Us your search skills on the
internet to find your way.

Camping with showers is available at
nearby Tumalo State Park and La Pine State Park.

We expect most riders will complete the
ride by late afternoon. Your best bet for Saturday night, should you
decide to stay in the area would be moteling it in nearby Bend or
Redmond. Another interesting diversion would be a short ride north
to Kee-Ne-Tah Hot Springs resort for a stay at the hotel there, or
camping in a Tee Pee. Reservations are highly recommended. It's an
excellent facility with a full pool and a very clean mineral spring
fed modern day hot tub.

TO REGISTER
CLICK HERE NOW!CLOSED - You
may sign up Saturday morning at 8:30 am at Cafe Sintra in Sun River.